The first time I went to London, I booked a few memorable tours.
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The most intriguing was in the dark tourism category: A macabre walking tour of the City of London with plague sites and Jack the Ripper factoids tossed in.
The most interesting part of the tour came when the guide pointed out a newly discovered ‘plague pit’ in which hundreds of bodies were unceremoniously laid to rest during the last wave of the Black Death.
What made that so interesting? It was March 2020, and a little thing called COVID-19 was starting to shut down airports in Spain and Italy.
To top it off, I was staying in an adult hostel with around forty other bunkmates in my room. Not the best for avoiding a pandemic.
It was a moment in which London’s deep history became immediately tangible for me—one that left a soft (and spooky) spot in my heart for the city.
In honor of the city and its strangely well-timed tour, I’m uncovering some of the most unique tours in London for visitors.
Don’t worry—I won’t mention Jack the Ripper or any other dark tours. Instead, I’m focusing on the zanier tours available in London today. First up: A fantastic option for those traveling with young kids.
Looking for a place to stay in London, too? Check out the best rentals and hotels from Airbnb, Booking, and VRBO.
Top 10 Tours in London
Peppa Pig Bus Tour
In case you don’t know, afternoon tea is a big deal in England—and London has taken that to the next level with its ample afternoon tea bus tours.
This adventure takes you onto a Peppa Pig-themed double-decker Routemaster bus where adults can enjoy a tour of Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, and other landmarks while kids snack on British classics and sip on unlimited hot drinks.
Taylor Swift Bus Tour
London’s afternoon tea bus tours come in all shapes and sizes. I’m not personally a Swiftie, but I know they’re out there. If you’re heading to London with a Taylor Swift fan in tow, then this is the tea bus for you.
Guests get to know the city while jamming to Swift’s best hits. If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry—this tour also offers prosecco.
Changing of the Guard Tour
Most Americans know that the changing of the guard is a big deal. Some might even know that it involves those tall, fuzzy hats.
But this tour lets you dig into the depth of this tradition with a local guide. In a small group, you get to experience the changing of the guard while hearing about what it means, why it happens, and its significance for the UK. Culture nerds, unite!
Tower of London Early Access Tour with Beefeater
I know I said I’d avoid dark tourism—and here I am suggesting the Tower of London, a landmark of evil. But the Tower of London is also home to the crown jewels, which is a sought-after visit for many.
On top of that, you get a personal Beefeater to show you around. I was excited for a gin tasting, but it turns out that Beefeaters is a title for the official guardians of the Tower of London. Fun fact: They’ve been offering tours since the Victorian Age.
Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour
Pubs aren’t just pubs in the capital of England. London’s watering holes are living remnants of the city’s longstanding cultural past.
Whether or not you want to throw a few back, this tour will take you into the heart of London where you get to hear about some of its less-covered historical hotspots: Its oldest pubs.
Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames
I promise—this is the last afternoon tea tour. And it might also be the best. This tea tour takes you onto a boat so that you can cruise the Thames and point out some of London’s coolest landmarks.
You’ll also have the chance to snack on refined bites, from dainty little sandwiches to fluffy cakes.
East End Street Art Tour and Spray-Painting Session
Street art gives you a glimpse of a city’s creative leanings and even its political stance. With this tour, you get to see some of London’s brightest and most impactful pieces of street art in the East End district.
You even get to spray paint your own mini-masterpiece at a specialized studio after the fact.
Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings
What’s better than a standard food tour? One that takes you into an ancient and meandering world of historic food stalls.
In this case, you get a sneak peek into life at the Borough Market. While your guide breaks down the history of the place and how it functions today, you get to nibble on some of the city’s best eats.
O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience
Not many people think about scaling modern buildings when they think of London. But if you’re interested in a high-octane tour, this should be your first stop.
Not only do you get to get up-close and personal with London’s famous O2 venue, but you also get a bit of a workout and some great city views.
Royal Guided Tour of Windsor Castle
My last suggestion will take you slightly outside the city bounds. After an hour-long bus ride, guests get the royal treatment with a tour of Windsor Castle.
Guests get to see the location of royal weddings, along with plenty of heritage exhibits. For fans of the royal family, there’s no better way to explore the historical and contemporary legacy of the Windsor family.
